I've read and enjoyed several of Denise Weimer's books so I knew I would be in for a treat with A Holiday Heart. It was everything I had hoped for and a little more. With Hallmark movie vibes this story is filled with sweet romance, a little mystery, some important life lessons, fun and quirky characters, and plenty of Christmas spirit.
A Holiday Heart is a quick read, coming in at around 145 pages, making it the perfect choice for a cold December afternoon with a cup of cocoa and a good book. It's a charming story and is surprisingly hard to put down for a novella. While it's a little different from the other Denise Weimer books that I've read, it was a great read and I can say without a doubt that holiday romances are something that she does well.
Denise Weimer's book is the 9th in the Georgia Peaches series but I honestly didn't feel like I was missing anything not having read the previous 8. A Holiday Heart is a complete story unto itself and is a must read this holiday season!
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Holiday Heart by Denise Weimer a 4 Bark rating.
Excerpt from A Holiday Heart
Ashlyn breathed out an exclamation as she admired the stacked-stone fireplace and loft with shuttered windows that looked over the living space. “Oh, wow.”
Jake smiled at the approval in Ashlyn’s tone. It would’ve rankled if she’d turned her nose up at their best cabin. “I had the maid clean and put fresh sheets on the bed downstairs. The kitchen is stocked with dishes and the linen closet with towels.”
“You mean I can stay here?” Astonishment lit her eyes, then she quickly held out her hand. “I mean, I’ll pay, of course. I just didn’t assume—”
“Of course you can stay here. And of course you won’t pay.” When she started to protest, he added, “Think of yourself as Mamie’s guest.” Except for a muffled thank you, that silenced her. He led her into Mamie’s bedroom, where a gray-and-burgundy wedding ring quilt set the mood for salt-glazed pottery and watercolor mountain vistas.
Ashlyn touched a pitcher with a spray of branches decorating the dresser. As her gaze sought his in wonder, she blinked tears away.
He was softening up to her by the moment, maybe because he understood grief all too well. “Mamie was a huge supporter of local artists. There wasn’t an art show, play, or book signing she didn’t attend. She was well loved here.” To break the mood, he opened the walk-in closet, displaying a collection of clothes and shoes.
“My goodness.” Ashlyn entered, held the sleeve of a fall sweater up to her nose as if to capture a long-gone scent. “These were all hers.” She covered her mouth, and her back convulsed.
Oh no. He’d expected her to exclaim over all the work before her, not have a breakdown. But the reaction showed him something he needed to know about Mamie’s granddaughter.
Jake cleared his throat. “I’ll leave you alone. I just wanted to point out that there are two more bedrooms upstairs, and I’m afraid all the closets are full. Dillard has several secondhand stores. If you want to let me know when you’re ready for a run in, I can load up my truck.”
Ashlyn glanced back at him, wiping her eyes. “Thank you. I just … how am I supposed to decide what to keep and what to give away? And why did she choose me to come here instead of my mom?”
For a moment, Jake saw a lost little girl behind the perfect façade. “I know one thing, Ashlyn. Your grandmother never did anything without a reason. If she picked you for this task, she believed you were the best person for it.”
Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense, mostly set in her home state of Georgia. She’s authored almost a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas. As managing editor of the historical imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses. |